Running & Yoga: connecting to my body through movement
I spent most of my college years in a kind of sedentary oblivion. In fact, I would even make fun of my friends that liked to work out. I didn’t get it and I didn’t want to get it, honestly at first I just wanted to party, then I just wanted to forget. Fast forward years later when I had to turn to running as a way to cope. It was a life changer - literally (you can read a bit more about my running journey in my article for Trail Sisters).
Once I began running I started getting to know my body in a different level. I started feeling stronger, something I had NEVER felt before. The more I ran, the more I learned about myself. Then there was the world of yoga. For years I kept telling myself I didn’t like yoga “it’s too boring”, “I’m a high-intensity type of workout person”, “I’m not flexible”, “I don’t look that way”… you wanted excuses? I had them. Truth is I had struggled living in my own head for so long, that being connected with myself was terrifying. Yet, just like running, yoga came into my life exactly when I needed it - or rather it was there when I was ready to embrace it. Once I stopped fighting all of the pre-existing narratives I had in my head of who I was supposed to be and just LET myself be (and feel), I learned I loved the connection my body and mind had when I practiced yoga.
Why am I telling you this? Because I think sometimes we tend to forget how connected our minds are to our bodies. Exercise doesn’t have to be only about reps and competition (but it can be if that’s what you like). Moving your body in any way that you enjoy is incredibly beneficial. It’s part of your overall wellness and it can look how you want it to look and be. It’s what feels natural and good for your body. Why? Because it’s connected to your mind (and no one else’s). So whether it’s walking, dancing, hitting the weights, running in place…. it doesn’t matter. What’s important is that you explore the relationship between your body and mind. I encourage you to see movement as an extension of your overall wellness (and not just to lose weight or look a certain weigh) and explore what that looks for yourself!